25 All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me will find them. (Matthew 16.25)

These prayer stations on Transfiguration Sunday focused on this passage of loss. The interactive prayer stations are meant to be intergenerational. There are also stations designed for kids. (For more specific instructions on layout, purpose, design, and more ideas, you can view previous posts tagged under “Interactive Prayer Stations.”) You can view pics here.

Interactive Prayer Station #1: Loss of Love

Materials: Heat-resistant Bowl, Candle, Matches, Sand, Strips of Paper, Pencils

List those you’ve loved and lost as well as those who you will lose, over the decades on the paper. Then briefly write what others will lose in you when they lose you. Offer a prayer thanking and celebrating God’s life in all of them and you; allow God to remind you of how as we “let go” we “let God.” Let the paper burn away, and let this loss become part of God’s eternal light and warmth.

Reflect and embrace this loss . . . let God weave it into your heart.

Interactive Prayer Station #2: Loss of Power

Materials: Cups of Water, Vase, Flower

Consider what you have and will give up in your life, things you may regard as power; power over others, power over creation, power over your situation or circumstances, and elsewhere you can think of. Empty a cup, representing what you give up, into the vase that nourishes eternal life. As you “pour out your life,” how do you experience the power and surprise of God as you fully live into eternal life.

take time to embrace this loss . . . invite God to enhance your faith journey.

Interactive Prayer Station #3: Loss of Options

Materials: Cut out Letters

Reflect on the passage:

“All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me will find them. Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives? What will people give in exchange for their lives?”

If you turn toward following Jesus, where is the struggle to say “no,” from what might you turn away, what might you exchange for the life of following Jesus? Pick the first letter each option you may relinquish and place it among the others’ losses.

Now briefly embrace this loss . . . allow God to broaden your journey.

Interactive Prayer Stations for Younger Children:

Transfiguration Sunday fell on the same weekend as Valentine’s Day, which explains the theme below.

Activity: Make a Valentine from you to God. Write on the back “God loves “your name.”

Materials: Crepe Paper or Streamers, Glue, Heart Template, Markers

 

Interactive Prayer Stations for Older Children:

 

Activity: How much of the Lord’s Prayer can you memorize? (Print words to the Lord’s Prayer)

Cut out and color this cross, to remind you of what you can do when you follow Jesus.

Make a Valentine wreath for someone, to remind them that Jesus loves them.

Materials: Construction Paper (red, pink) to cut out hearts, Paper Plates (for wreath), Scissors, Glitter, Glue, Markers, Ribbon